Saturday, December 23, 2006

Aluminium Alloys – Chemical Composition of Aluminium Drawn Wire, Rod, Bar and Strip

The following table contains chemical compositions of drawn wire, rod, bar and strip aluminium alloys

Alloy

Si

Fe

Cu

Mn

Mg

Cr

Zn

Ti

Other7

Al

min

max

Max

min

max

min

max

min

max

min

max

min

max

max

min

max

min

12001

Si+Fe 1.0 max

-

0.05

-

0.05

-

-

-

-

-

0.10

0.05

0.05

0.15

99.06

2100

-

0.40

0.7

5.0

6.0

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.30

-

0.054

0.15

rem

32031

-

0.60

0.7

-

0.05

1.0

0.5

-

-

-*

-

-

0.10

-

0.05

0.15

Rem

5056

-

0.30

0.40

-

0.10

0.05

0.20

4.5

5.6

0.05

0.20

-

0.10

-

0.05

0.15

Rem

5251

-

0.40

0.50

-

0.15

0.10

0.50

1.7

2.4

-

0.15

-

0.15

0.15

0.05

0.15

Rem

6061

0.40

0.80

0.70

0.15

0.40

-

0.15

0.8

1.2

0.04

0.35

-

0.25

0.15

0.05

0.15

Rem

6063

0.20

0.60

0.35

-

0.10

-

0.10

0.45

0.9

-

0.10

-

0.10

0.10

0.05

0.15

Rem

6201A2

0.50

0.70

0.350

-

0.04

-

-

0.6

0.9

-

-

-

-

-

0.05

0.15

Rem

62533

-

-

0.50

-

0.10

-

-

1.0

1.5

0.04

0.35

1.6

2.4

-

0.05

0.15

Rem

6262

0.40

0.80

0.70

0.15

0.40

-

0.15

0.8

1.2

0.04

0.14

-

0.25

0.15

0.055

0.15

Rem

7075

-

0.40

0.50

1.2

2.0

-

0.30

2.1

2.9

0.18

0.28

5.1

6.1

0.20

0.05

0.15

rem

Aluminium Alloys – Briquetted Alloying Additives for Aluminium Alloys from Metallurg Aluminium

Background

Metallurg Aluminium’s briquette-form alloying products are used in casthouses and foundries for accurate compositional adjustments of alloy melts or for bulk element addition. The distinctive shape of these products is created as the product's components are compressed between pillow-shaped indentations on two opposing rollers. This shape promotes ease of transport, storage and handling – both in large-scale casthouse furnace additions and in smaller-scale foundry additions.

Carefully Controlled Mixture of Alloying Elements

Our briquetted alloying products contain a carefully controlled mixture of alloying element (75%, 80% or 85%) in powder form, aluminium powder and optional sodium-free non-hygroscopic flux (in our Quick-Sol™ alloying briquettes only). The briquettes are produced using a patented process that assures a high degree of element purity, product consistency and process control. Dissolution relies on the alloying element powder particles forming aluminides. It is recommended that the briquettes be charged after melting is completed and the bath has been skimmed; recommended minimum temperature of 720°C (1,328°F). Normal furnace stirring to ensure a uniform mixture is sufficient to assure complete dissolution of the briquettes.
Rapid Dissolution with Quick-Sol Formulations

Metallurg Aluminium’s Quick-Sol™ briquette grades contain flux – preferred where speed of dissolution is important or when low melt temperatures and stirring difficulty are issues. The flux aids in removal of the oxide film found on any powder particle to expose the metallic element to molten aluminium, promoting rapid dissolution.
Benefits of Alloying Briquettes

· Rapid dissolution at normal casthouse operating temperatures.

· Concentrated form – means reduced inventory, transport and storage costs compared with binary master alloys.

· High element recovery – typically over 95%.

· Minimal temperature loss upon addition.

· Clean and accurate addition.

· Rapid, consistent solubility of self-sinking briquettes means less energy and less cost.

· Color-coded packaging.
Recommended Addition Practice

After calculating the required addition, skim off heavy dross and add the self-sinking briquettes evenly over the melt surface. Hold the bath temperature for 5-10 minutes, then stir well to maximize recovery and homogeneity.

Our line of compacted alloying products also includes our line of ALTAB™ and mini-ALTAB™ alloying tablets, recognized around the world for their quality and versatility.

Metallurg Aluminium’s world-wide technical services team can help you reduce alloying costs and achieve desired cast and product properties with briquetted compacts, ALTAB™ and mini-ALTAB alloying tablets. ALTAB™’s versatility and cost-effectiveness, combined with Metallurg Aluminium’s experience in casting processes, can enhance your production and improve your bottom line.
Product Forms and Packaging

Alloying briquettes are supplied in sealed, moisture-proof bags which contain either 10kg (22 lbs), 11kg (25 lbs) or 23kg (50 lbs) of product, or in large bulk bags. Distinct color coding of all packaging ensures clear identification of the alloying element contained.

Element

Symbol

75% Alloying Element

80% Alloying Element

85% Alloying Element

Chromium

Cr

Yes

Yes

-

Iron

Fe

Yes

Yes

-

Manganese

Mn

Yes

Yes

Yes

Friday, December 22, 2006

Aluminium Alloys – Aluminium Usage in The Transportation Industry

Background

For many years the biggest end-use market for aluminium has been the transportation sector. More than a quarter of all aluminium is used in the transport sector. Originally indispensable for its lightweight for the aerospace industry, aluminium is now widely used in cars, buses, coaches, lorries, trains, ships, ferries, aircraft and bicycles.

The aluminium industry supports the need to develop cleaner and more sustainable means of transportation. It stands ready to meet new challenges: customer demand for improved safety and comfort, stricter environmental legislation and public concern for environmentally friendly transportation and international competition.
Forecast Aluminium Usage in Transportation

The aluminium industry is active in developing a new range of light-weight products in collaboration with the transportation sector. The use of aluminium in automotive applications is expected to double in the next decade.
Economics of Aluminium Usage

In order to achieve the environmental targets, aluminium is increasingly the choice material, used for single parts such as airbag containers or chassis parts, and ranging up to an entire aluminium body. The increase in cost and price for using aluminium in car production is soon compensated for the customers by significant fuel savings.
Recycling Aluminium Vehicle Components

The aluminium industry contributes towards increased recycling of transportation products: for decades, the recycling of end of life vehicles is significantly financed through the high value of the aluminium scrap.
Aluminium as Part of the Solution

Aluminium is key to providing solutions to the challenges facing the transportation sector. Its ecological impact is favourable: using aluminium means lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and reduced demand for raw materials since a high proportion of end of life products are recycled. Its use also increases safety (lower mass means shorter distance to brake), comfort (through low unsprung masses) and economy.
Reduced Fuel Consumption

Lower energy consumption and gas emissions through reduced weight: extensive use of aluminium can result in up to 300 kg weight reduction in a medium size vehicle (1400kg). For every 100 kg reduction in the automotive sector, there is a cut of 0.3 to 0.6 litres per 100 km in fuel consumption leading to 20% lower exhaust gas emissions and proportionally reduced operating costs. Moreover, in the transportation industry, the use of aluminium parts allows truck payload increases within the maximum vehicle weight and reduces the number of trips needed.

Fabrication Advantages And Weight Savings

Aluminium in vehicles increases safety: aluminium is not only light but also strong. Aluminium eliminates joints since it allows hollow extrusions (replacing a typical two shell sheet design) to be made, so improving overall rigidity and safety. The use of aluminium also improves road holding due to its lower centre of gravity and reduced mass, improves energy absorption during a crash and shortens braking distances.
Recyclability

Aluminium offers unique recycling possibilities: aluminium can be repeatedly recycled without quality loss. Its high scrap value ensures reclamation and recycling: 95% of aluminium in cars is currently collected and recycled and accounts for over 50% of the material value of a vehicle at the end of its life.
Why The Transportation Industry Embraces the Use of Aluiminium

The transport market is divided into four sectors: automotive, public, sea and air transport. Energy-saving design and unparalleled recyclability have lead to an increased use of aluminium in these sectors. The aluminium industry is responsible for stimulating important technological breakthroughs in order to promote the environmental benefits of aluminium.
Aluminium Provides Environmental Solutions For Public Transportation

The aluminium industry is responsible for researching and producing new body shells for high-speed trains, trams, buses, underground and regional trains in consultation with its customers in that sector. Energy saving, light weight and design flexibility are paramount criteria.
Aluminium Is Essential To Weight-Critical Structures For Aeroplanes And Fast-Ferries

Thanks to aluminium large aeroplanes exist. The aluminium industry is also working to extend the use of aluminium from ferry types to cargo vessels, increasing their speed and environmental friendliness.
The Aluminium Industry Invests In The Development Of New, Environmentally-Friendly Cars

Aluminium car body structures and panels, safety systems, suspension parts and many other new applications have been created. As a result, up to 50% weight reduction can be achieved if aluminium parts are used. Many solutions are the result of new, innovative production methods, such as new casting technologies

Aluminium Alloys - Aluminium 5251 Properties, Fabrication and Applications, Supplier Data by Aalco

Background

Aluminium alloy 5251 is a medium strength alloy possessing good ductility and therefore good formability. Alloy 5251 is known for work hardening rapidly and is readily weldable. It also possesses high corrosion resistance particularly in marine environments.

Chemical Composition

Table 1. Typical chemical composition for aluminium alloy 5251

Element

% Present

Cu

0.15%

Mg

1.7-2.4%

Si

0.4%

Fe

0.5%

Mn

0.1-0.5%

Zn

0.15%

Ti

0.15%

Cr

0.15%

Al

Balance

Properties

Mechanical Properties

Table 2. Typical mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 5251

Temper

H22

H24

H26

0

Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa)

165

190

215

80

Tensile Strength (MPa)

210

230

255

180

Shear Strength (MPa)

125

135

145

115

Elongation A5 (%)

14

13

9

26

Hardness Vickers (HV)

65

70

75

46

Physical Properties

Table 3. Typical physical properties for aluminium alloy 5251

Property

Value

Density

2.69 g/cm3

Melting Point

625°C

Modulus of Elasticity

70 GPa

Electrical Resistivity

0.044x10-6 Ω.m

Thermal Conductivity

134 W/m.K

Thermal Expansion

25x10-6 /K

Alloy Designations

Aluminium alloy 5251 also corresponds to the following designations:

Al Mg2

Al 2.0Mg 0.3Mn

Fabrication

Welding

Aluminium alloy 5251 is a readily weldable alloy.

The recommended filler wire is 5356 when welding alloy 5251 to itself, 6XXX series alloys, 7XXX series alloys and most other 5XXX alloys.

When welding alloy 5251 to 5005, 5020, 1XXX series or 3XXX series alloys, the recommended filler wire is 4043.

Fabrication Response

Table 4. Typical fabrication response for aluminium alloy 5251

Process

Rating

Workability – Cold

Very Good

Machinability

Average

Weldability – Gas

Very Good

Weldability – Arc

Very Good

Weldability – Resistance

Very Good

Brazability

Poor

Solderability

-

Temper

The common tempers for 5251 are:

· H22 - Work hardened and partially annealed to a quarter hard state

· H24 - Work hardened and partially annealed to a half hard state

· H26 - Work hardened and partially annealed to a three quarter hard state

· 0 – Wrought and fully annealed

Applications

5251 is typically used in:

· Boats

· Panelling and pressings

· Marine structures

· Aircraft parts

· Vehicle panels

· Furniture tubing

· Silos

· Containers